“There is a place for people to go and get the counseling they need,” Cavaan said, adding that counseling will likely be available for the rest of the week.

Police continue to probe the slaying which comes nine days after a shooting took the life of 19-year-old Reality Shabazz Walker outside the John L. Sullivan housing complex on Nursery Street, less than a mile away. No arrests have been made in that case.

Delaney declined to comment when asked whether the two shootings may be related. Walker had been shot once in the head, once in the chest and once in each leg.

Early Wednesday morning police had blocked the entrance to Van Horn Park at the end of Penacook St., and crime scene tape surrounded a large area behind the backstop of the baseball diamond. An officer parked at the end of Penacook St. said the detective bureau was due to continue its investigation at the scene this morning.

Crime scene tape also cordoned off the driveway at nearby 142-144 Miller St.

Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet said investigator’s believe Colon’s slaying could be gang related, but in a press release sent Wednesday morning he did not specify which gangs might be involved.

Although a gun was found at the scene, investigators believe that it is not the murder weapon. Detectives are getting cooperation from a number of sources, Delaney said.

Delaney said Commissioner Fitchet is involved in the investigation and has stepped up patrols in the Van Horn Park area.

Delaney said anyone with information about the murders of Jose Colon or Reality Shabazz Walker is asked to call the police Detective Bureau at (413) 788-6355.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may text a tip via a cell phone by addressing a text message to “CRIMES,” or “274637,” and then beginning the body of the message with the word “SOLVE.”